The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, which was Hart's birthday present to himself in July, was destroyed in the smash which also saw his friend Jared Black injured.

(Image: Hotrod.com/Instagram)

This is the 1970s Plymouth Barracuda (Image: Hotrod.com)

Now experts have told TMZ the vehicle lacked key safety features that would've spared him horrendous injuries as a result of his car crash.

Experts told TMZ it was "highly unusual" for cars with 720 horsepower to be outfitted without a five-point harness and a roll cage, which Kevin's didn't have.

Kevin bought the muscle car as a present to himself for his 40th birthday (Image: Instagram)

After the smash Hart was raced to hospital for spinal surgery, but TMZ now claims the diminutive funnyman is set to be moved to a rehabilitation facility within days - before starting months of painful recovery.

It is claimed the actor is currently on strong medication to help ease the agonising pain.

Once moved from the hospital, the comedian will begin a programme of physical therapy that is thought could last months.

According to TMZ, much of the therapy will be done as an outpatient along with follow-up appointments with doctors.

Hart had surgery in Los Angeles on Sunday night, which fused the fractures. TMZ has reported that there were two in the thoracic part of his spine and one in the lumbar.

The surgery has been hailed a success but sources have told TMZ that Hart is "going through hell," and will remain heavily medicated for a while.

The crash scene

There was a brief worry surrounding the lumbar fracture, as this can make walking difficult and can lead to paralysis, but Hart is expected to make a full recovery.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Hart's team had taken the Jumanji star to his home, rather than hospital, as they hadn't realised the state of his injuries.